Church has fractured finger

March 25, 2010by rob biertempfel

BRADENTON, Fla. – Ryan Church fractured the tip of his left middle finger, but hopes to be able to get back in the lineup by Sunday.

Church sustained the injury Saturday during the game against the Orioles. Church was not playing in the game, but tried to catch a foul ball hit by Andrew McCutchen. Church’s finger was sandwiched between the ball and concrete.

Today was the first time Church was able to swing and play catch without problem. The Pirates are slated to play split-squad games Sunday on the road against the Phillies and Rays.

– Reliever Vinnie Chulk has not pitched in a game in a week due to a sore bicep. “It’s nothing big,” Chulk said, adding that he will pitch Sunday in one of the split squad games.